July 21, 2014
Scotland

Too much blowing in the wind

Peeblesshire News | 21 Jul 2014 | www.peeblesshirenews.com

More and more wind turbines could blot the horizon if a proposal for a development near Romanno Bridge gets the go ahead.

That was a view expressed at West Linton this week as community councillors discussed plans to erect eight turbines at Hag Law Farm.

“When they get their proposal for eight passed, there’s nothing stopping them adding to it – and they will do it if it is profitable,” said community councillor David Small.

“I would not be at all surprised if we ended up with another eight of the turbines in 10 years’ time and there’s nothing whatsoever to stop them.”

Scottish Borders Council will have the final say on whether West Coast Energy will be allowed to go ahead with their proposals to erect the turbines.

The Welsh-based company has already scaled down its proposals – it originally applied to construct 11 turbines. It has pledged to give 10 per cent of the profits as an annual community payment.

Mr Small added: “It’s true that we are going to gain from this, but you know my views on these monstrosities.”

Plans for a windfarm at nearby Cloich Farm have been thrown out by Scottish Borders Council and because that is a larger proposal a decision now rests with the Scottish Government.

Tweeddale councillor Keith Cockburn said: “My view is that we’ve already got way more than we need. But Hag Law is a council decision and it appears now that there might be a change in their views.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/21/too-much-blowing-in-the-wind/